Soft Lift™

A youthful, natural-looking makeover

A Soft Lift™ is a non-surgical procedure that combines the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic AND specific dermal fillers for optimal results in correcting wrinkles and restoring fullness. BOTOX is used to correct the ‘dynamic’ lines—more shallow and superficial wrinkles that appear with facial movement. Dr. Dawes will then use the appropriate dermal fillers to help ‘fill in’ or correct the deeper furrows of ‘static’ wrinkles, which are present even in the absence of facial expression. These treatments are performed in a single session, and target the forehead, eyes, cheeks, lips, mouth and chin to improve signs of aging and achieve a youthful, balanced and natural look.

Compared to a traditional surgical facelift, a Soft Lift™ is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure with little-to-no downtime. Results are typically less dramatic than surgical treatments, with results lasting up to 12 months.

Areas improved by a Soft Lift™

A Soft Lift™ helps to restore fullness and correct both shallow and deeper lines in and around the following areas:

Forehead and ‘frown lines’

Eyelid creases or ‘crows feet’

Cheeks and ‘smile lines’

Upper lips (above red skin of lip)

Lines at corners of mouth (oral commisures)

Chin and jaw contours or ‘jowls’

Recovery expectations

You can resume most normal activities immediately following a Soft Lift™ treatment. Any tenderness, swelling, headache, discomfort or bruising will resolve within a few days. Refrain from rubbing or massaging treated areas. Results appear within days and can last up to 12 months.

FILLER FAQs

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a commonly-used dermal filler made of the same complex sugar that is found naturally in body tissues, such as skin and cartilage. It is used in a smooth gel form, and binds to water in the deep layers of skin to create more volume and elasticity—allowing an effective, temporary treatment that can fill facial lines and wrinkles, restore lost volume and enhance facial contours.

How long does a dermal filler appointment take?

In addition to the initial consultation with Dr. Dawes, a dermal filler procedure can take from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on areas to be treated.

Are treatments painful?

There is temporary discomfort as the injection is made with a fine needle into the skin. We offer topical anesthetics and fillers containing local anesthetics to help ease any discomfort. Dr. Dawes has injected thousands of patients and helps to ensure that they experience the least amount of pain possible.

What are the most common side effects of dermal fillers?

Dermal filler procedures are generally well-tolerated. Some common side effects are related to localized skin reactions, such as redness, tenderness and bruising, and usually resolve within one week. Other side effects may depend on the specific treatment and products used. All risks of your particular treatment are discussed by Dr. Dawes at the time of consultation, and will be fully disclosed in writing prior to treatment.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Results vary, depending on type of dermal filler and treatment used, and patient individuality. Average result times, by type:

Hyaluronic acid, up to one year

Collagen injections, usually between three to 12 months

Semi-permanent fillers, up to two years

Permanent fillers, indefinitely

Are hyaluronic acid injections reversible?

Even though considered temporary, improperly placed hyaluronic acid can be reversed with the injection of an enzyme, for rapid breakdown of the filler.

Who can administer dermal fillers?

Those who can be licensed to administer dermal filler injections are limited to:

Physicians actively licensed by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta

Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners actively licensed by the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, who are injecting with sufficient education and training in this procedure, and with support from a physician

Licensed Practical Nurses actively registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta who are injecting with additional education and training in this procedure, and with support from a physician

Aestheticians, medical aestheticians and dentists are NOT licensed to administer dermal fillers in Alberta unless they meet the above criteria.

BOTOX/Xeomin FAQS

What is BOTOX®? Xeomin?

BOTOX® is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. XEOMIN is another brand of the same medication. Used in small amounts, it paralyzes muscles and prevents them from contracting, thereby diminishing or preventing associated wrinkles.

Will my face lose animation, giving me a ‘frozen’ look?

BOTOX® and Xeomin are intended to enhance the way you look, not change it. When administered by an experienced physician, you can still smile, frown and be expressive. The treatment relaxes only the muscles beneath the lines at the point of injection, so other elements of your facial expression remain active. There is also no effect on the sensory nerves, so you will have a normal feeling in the treated areas.

How long can I expect my neurotoxin treatment to last?

Results can vary for each individual; the average is three-to-four months when proper dilution is used.

Who can perform BOTOX® injections in Alberta?

Those who can be licensed to administer BOTOX® and XEOMIN are limited to:

Physicians actively licensed by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta

Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners actively licensed by the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, who are injecting with sufficient education and training in this procedure, and with support from a physician

Licensed Practical Nurses actively registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta who are injecting with additional education and training in this procedure, and with support from a physician

Aestheticians, medical aestheticians and dentists are NOT licensed to administer neurotoxis in Alberta unless they meet the above criteria

How long has Botulinum Type A been approved in Canada?

Botulinum Type A has been licensed in Canada since 1990 as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In 2001, Health Canada approved its use specifically for wrinkle therapy. It has become the most popular physician-administered cosmetic treatment in North America, with an estimated three-million treatments performed annually.

How do I find the right medical professional to administer neurotoxins?

It is important to ensure your neurotoxin procedure is administered by a fully-licensed practitioner who:

Is licensed in Alberta for injections (please see FAQ ‘Who can perform injections in Alberta?’)

Has experience in injections and cosmetic procedures, with additional training in injecting BOTOX and XEOMIN, and who is prepared and qualified to handle any complications

Has a very strong knowledge of facial anatomy

Is someone you are completely comfortable with and trust

What are the most common side effects?

Neurotoxin injections are generally well-tolerated. Some common side effects are localized discomfort or tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising and headache—which usually resolve within one week. Patients may experience uneven or an incomplete response to treatment. Rarely, patients have been reported to develop a slight lowering of an eyelid (ptosis), or slight lowering of the forehead. This is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks. During consultation, Dr. Dawes will discuss all risks of your particular treatment, which will also be fully-disclosed in writing prior to treatment.

Who cannot have BOTOX® treatments?

There are very few restrictions regarding the use of neurotoxins. Those who are pregnant, nursing or have a neurological disease should not be treated. Please contact our office for more information.